LIVE. Romania prepares for second night of protests: over 100,000 protesters in first day, hundreds injured in violent clashes with security forces

11 Aug 2018

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People have started to gather for the second day in a row in front of the government building in Bucharest.

The protesters are carrying the flag of Romania alongside the flags of the EU and the US. Last night, around 100,000 people came in Victoriei Square and called for the resignation of the center left government led by Viorica Dancila. Romanians from Diaspora were also among the protesters. This was set to be the biggest rally of Romanians from abroad.

More than 20,000 people also took to the streets in other large cities in Romania.

In Bucharest, violent clashes occurred between gendarmes and protesters, especially after authorities issued an order for the clearance of Victoriei Square after 11 PM. More than 400 people received medical care during Friday’s protest. Several gendarmes were also injured.

The violent clashes were condemned by politicians from the ruling coalition and the opposition. President Klaus Iohannis has also asked the government to explain last night’s brutal intervention of security forces.